Printer problem

[Steve_J]

Does anyone know how to test a printer cartridge? My HP printer, it's a 2175xi, keeps telling me to test my cartridges and won't let me do anything. No copies, no scans, obviously no prints. It won't even let me run the utility. I've replaced the cartridges with some used ones I had laying around with the same results. I really don't want to spend $50 dollars or more for new cartridges. The ones I have are not that old and still have ink in them. I weighed an empty one for comparison.

[krissel]

Here is info from HP's site:

http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/...hreadId=1109874

http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/...threadId=977804

• cleaning if you get error message about checking cartridge...

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/generic...=reg_R1002_USEN

[Gregg]

What OS?

Not able to run printer utility...

Are there preferences to trash?

[dolphin]

Steve...take the cartridges and rub the ink side on a paper towel. Sometimes the little sponges inside dry out. Rubbing  them stimulates ink flow. You should see black or blue, red, yellow on the paper towel. If not...then the cartridge is bad! HTH

[Steve_J]

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back on this one. I pulled the printer completely out of my desk and disconnected everything. I cleaned the heads inside the printer and also the cartridges. Reinstalled them and plugged in the AC power only, no USB. I still get the same message with two different sets/combinations of cartridges. Is there anyway to test these cartridges outside of the printer, I really don't want to spend $60 dollars for new cartridges?

[krissel]

Depending on how old the printer is...I read somewhere that the manufacturer reimbursed someone for cartridges when they suggested trying new ones. Can you call HP or email them?

Have you tried the 'hard reset' suggested in the links?

[Steve_J]

QUOTE(krissel @ Apr 25 2007, 02:59 AM) [snapback]125137[/snapback]

Depending on how old the printer is...I read somewhere that the manufacturer reimbursed someone for cartridges when they suggested trying new ones. Can you call HP or email them?

Have you tried the 'hard reset' suggested in the links?

I have tried everything suggested in the links with no success. Some of the suggestions did not apply to the 2175 printer. So this morning I wrote a reply to the one with my specific problem asking for more specific information regarding button pushes, etc. I'm hoping that the originator of the thread was successful in curing the problem and for a better more detailed response.

Thanks for the information krissel. I will post my results. They may be helpful to someone else.

[Steve_J]

QUOTE(Steve_J @ Apr 25 2007, 08:20 AM) [snapback]125153[/snapback]

I have tried everything suggested in the links with no success. Some of the suggestions did not apply to the 2175 printer. So this morning I wrote a reply to the one with my specific problem asking for more specific information regarding button pushes, etc. I'm hoping that the originator of the thread was successful in curing the problem and for a better more detailed response.

Thanks for the information krissel. I will post my results. They may be helpful to someone else.

I don't think these results are going to help anyone. After spending about an hour online with HP tech support, the decision was; I've got a physical problem with the printer. So now it's printer shopping time. Suggestions anyone.